Gumboot Campground

Very brief description:   Primitive camping on the north side of a shallow alpine lake in an outlying area, but available by car.  Bring your own water. Poor signage in the area.  The campground itself no longer has an identifying sign as viewed in the photo below.  

Open Dates:  Depending on snow pack, Gumboot Campground is open from June to October.

Number of Campsites:  Six undeveloped sites with user made fire rings and some user made pathways.  Suitable for small trailers, campers and tents.  Max length of trailer 20 to 25 ft. but curves along the road can be tight and turnarounds will be minimal.  Parts of the road leading to the campground is in poor condition, although paved, and sections are very narrow.

Dispersed Camping:  There are a number of dispersed camping sites available for free camping as you travel the road west of the Lake Siskiyou once reaching the National Forest boundary as you head toward Gumboot Lake.  Many of these sites are right along the road; others are located on spur roads.  For detailed information on dispersed camping contact the Ranger Station or the website.

 

Length of Stay:  Length of stay is not posted, but likely 14 days.

Fees:  None.  Free.

Affiliation:  National Forest Service

Location/Address:  Gumboot Lake is approximately 16 miles from Mt. Shasta City on local roads.  From Mt. Shasta City at Interstate 5 take the Central Mt. Shasta exit and go West on West Ream Avenue.  Turn South on West Barr Road (Forest Route 26) towards Lake Siskiyou.  Follow West Barr Road and drive over Box Canyon Dam and drive past Lake Siskiyou.  Continue on the road and pass the entrance to Lake Siskiyou Campground.  From there continue along the same road and it will turn into Forest Route 40N26.  This road follows the canyon of the South Fork of the Sacramento River.  In places the road is very winding and narrow, drive carefully and watch for oncoming traffic and wildlife.  When you reach a fork in the road at about 15.5 miles look for a fork in the road, take the road to the left for ½ mile to Gumboot Lake.

Elevation:  Approximately 6,050 ft.

 Below is the parking and turn around area     

Contact Information: 

U. S. Forest Service

Mt. Shasta Ranger Station

204 West Alma

Mt. Shasta, CA  96067

(530) 926-4511

Amenities:

• ·       Pit toilets
• ·       User made fire rings
• ·       Hiking
• ·       Scenic

General Description:  Quiet and serene small alpine lake surrounded by a mixed conifer forest.  The lake sits in an open area with some grasses around.  A second, but smaller lake is nearby to the West.  A 2 mile drive from the lake is available to the Gumboot trail-head of the Pacific Crest Trail.  Views of Mt. Shasta and the Trinity Alps can be seen.  A 2 ½ mile (one way) hike south on the Pacific Crest Trail one can view and explore the Seven lakes Basin.  Some individuals have stated they can receive cell service in the open area by the lake, but it may be dependent on the carrier.  Most cell service is unavailable past Lake Siskiyou (about 10+ miles).

Nearby Services:  (groceries, medical, etc.)  Food, fuel, water, camping or hiking supplies are available in Mt. Shasta City. (16 miles)  Supplies are also available in nearby towns such as Weed, Yreka, or Dunsmuir. Nearest supplies would be in Mt. Shasta City.

Emergency:  Full service Emergency in Mt. Shasta at Mercy Medical Center (16 miles) and Yreka, at Fairchild Medical Center.